By RICHARD BURGER 

More than 1200 people from up and down the Yakima Valley converged on Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center Feb. 4, for an event that focused on heart health.

The three-hour “Healthy Heart EXPO” was held at Yakima Regional’s auditorium and was billed as the kick off of “Heart Health Month” and a celebration of the hospital’s 120^th year serving the Yakima Valley. 

The second annual expo also commemorated National Wear Red Day, a nation-wide event to bring attention to heart disease in women. 

Expanded events and heart healthy education brought out a larger audience this year. 

“Taking care of yourself should make you feel good and be fun,” said Debra Yergen, spokesperson for Yakima Regional. “We see this event as a great way to bring attention to the importance of a healthy lifestyle for valley residents and remind people that it’s the everyday choices and activities that matter in their long-term heart health.” 

Thirteen physicians from across the valley were on hand to answer questions and provide information about heart health and general health issues. 

In addition, 39 other organizations partnered with Regional to offer a variety of complimentary health screenings and food catered by The Café at Yakima Regional.

At this year’s new Interactive Zone, attendees could take advantage of free massages, fitness classes such as cardio pilates, Zumba and intro to yoga, along with cooking shows, and physician symposiums.

Drawings for more than $1,500 in prize baskets provided by the community partners were also held this year. 

The expo took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make it as convenient as possible for those who wanted to attend during their lunch break, Yergen said.

She said free heart healthy classes will be held throughout the month of February, and are available by contacting Yakima Regional’s cardiac rehab specialists at 509-573-3592 to sign up. 

A blood drawing at the Yakima Regional auditorium will be held Feb. 16 between noon and 4 p.m.